Veterans Demand Trump Explain Disgraceful Campaign Use of Arlington Cemetery During Tonight’s Debate
For Immediate Release: September 10, 2024
Contact: Jacob Thomas, Communications Director
Veterans Demand Trump Explain Disgraceful Campaign Use of Arlington Cemetery During Tonight’s Debate
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Veterans from across the country watched in outrage as former president Trump used the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) for his own selfish campaign purposes. As of yet, he has not meaningfully addressed what happened and has instead cast blame on the Gold Star Families and ANC staff. A true leader accepts accountability for their actions. Instead, Trump as usual has not taken responsibility for anything.
Our veterans are attending debate night events in battleground states and are closely watching to see how Trump handles this issue and so many more. If you would like to interview veterans in battleground states we have veterans on standby from every battleground state as well as the states representing the presidential candidates: Minnesota, California, New York, and Ohio..
Veterans, military families, and the American people deserve answers to Trump flagrantly breaking federal law by disgracing the memory of the brave soldiers laid to rest in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. It is up to the moderators of tonight’s debate to hold Trump accountable for his actions. We, as veterans, urge them to do so.
Ed Anderson, Air Force veteran | Atlanta, GA: "It’s beyond reprehensible that Trump, once again, put his ego above the dignity of our fallen heroes. Arlington National Cemetery isn’t a backdrop for campaign theatrics—it’s a solemn place of honor for those who gave everything. I’ll be watching the debate tonight from Atlanta and expect the moderators to press him for answers. We demand accountability, not excuses."
Moises Montalvo, Army veteran | Pittsburgh, PA: "Trump’s continued refusal to take responsibility for desecrating such a sacred place speaks volumes. The moderators must hold him accountable tonight. I’ll be watching closely — veterans across the country are expecting to hear why he thought this was acceptable."
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Common Defense is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.